Dividing Wall Column Isomerization Effluent Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current isomerization processes for C5-C6 fraction light naphtha feeds in the petroleum industry face limitations in achieving high research octane numbers (RON) due to excessive cracking of C7 molecules and high energy requirements for separating high and low octane streams, particularly in achieving composite isomerate product RON values in the range of 88 to 93.

Innovation Solution

The use of a dividing wall column in conjunction with a non-divided column for fractional distillation to separate isomerization reactor effluents into high octane and low octane streams, eliminating the need for multiple distillation columns and adsorptive separation zones, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple distillation columns and adsorptive separation zones are used to separate high and low octane streams, then separation precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple distillation columns into a single dividing wall column that performs the same separation functions. The dividing wall column integrates the functionality of multiple columns, achieving equivalent separation precision while using a single reboiler, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption compared to using multiple separate columns and adsorptive separation zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dividing wall column is designed to perform multiple separation tasks simultaneously within a single unit. It separates high and low octane streams while also handling fractionation duties that would traditionally require multiple specialized columns, making the system more energy-efficient without compromising separation precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple distillation columns are used for fractional distillation, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidnumber of columns

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple distillation columns into one dividing wall column structure. This single column performs the separation functions that would otherwise require multiple separate columns, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the same separation precision through the dividing wall configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a single reboiler is used in the dividing wall column, then energy consumption is reduced, but separation capability may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidseparation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dividing wall column is segmented into multiple fractionation zones by the dividing wall, creating distinct separation sections within a single column. This segmentation allows the single reboiler to efficiently heat and separate multiple components simultaneously, maintaining high separation capability while using less energy than multiple separate columns would require

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach achieves energy savings and cost efficiency by performing two energy-intensive separations with a single reboiler input, allowing for the production of high octane isomerate products and recycling low octane streams, thereby enhancing the RON of isomerate products while reducing capital and utility costs.

Implementation Method 1

a dividing wall column and a non-divided column to separate an isomerization reactor effluent into high octane and low octane streams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFractional distillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 2

The mixture is introduced into a dividing wall column which is divided into first and second parallel fractionation zones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor-liquid equilibrium:

Data Source

PatentUS10118875B1Energy efficient methods for isomerization of a C5-C6 fraction with dividing wall fractional distillation

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 KOCKLER DAVID NORBERT

AI summary

This invention relates to a method of separating an isomerization zone effluent mixture comprising between 5 and 7 carbon atoms into high octane isomerate product streams and low octane streams which may be recycled to the isomerization zone. The separation process makes use of a dividing wall column to efficiently perform the separation of isopentane and high octane multibranched paraffins from low octane straight chain and single branched paraffins.